ChantelleR90

I'm not just talking out of my butt either unfortunately.... I am a health care professional. It's pretty scary stuff HW - 475 SW - 423 CW - 401.8 Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

I've been a donor since 2007. Here in Canada your hemoglobin has to be 125. I used to attend the clinic every 56 days as that was the mandated time between donations. My hemoglobin hovered around 125... sometimes I'd be rejected for 124... and it currently is 125. I am telling you all of this for a reason... while your finger prick iron may be good there is a good chance as a regular donor your ferritin stores are not. Canadian blood services has noticed a decline in ferritin in female donors and has since changed wait time to 84 days instead of 56. I am one of those people... while I assumed my iron was okay because my finger prick test said so I was horribly mistaken. I have since been told never to donate again.... which breaks my heart as an O- donor. My ferritin is in my boots... and I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. (People have died from anemia.... just saying) What happens to keep that finger prick test looking good is your body goes and takes iron from your stores... when this store depletes you end up anemic.... Less than 24 months ago my ferritin levels were ideal... perfect even. Today they are low to the point of anemia. Please be careful! HW - 475 CW - 450 Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

Yep. Funny I know a girl from here with a similar story. HW - 475 CW - 450 Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

You're not from Canada by any chance are you? HW - 475 CW - 450 Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

I'm wondering if there anyone like me?? My HW is 475!!! I am 6 ft 1. I am having the gastric sleeve in 2 weeks. I am looking for people like me tall and extremely obese (BMI 60). What successes have you had? How much did you lose? HW - 475 CW - 450 Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

Hey there guys! I'm still pre-op... having surgery on Feb 13th. I've heard a lot of people talk of the rush of hormones following major weight loss.. does fertility increase? Are accidental pregnancies common?? I've got an IUD but I am terrified that I will end up pregnant following my surgery . Has anyone else felt this way??

Typically the Barium is flavored ... usually vanilla flavor... it's almost the same texture as a chewed up TUM. You will get through it. At least they aren't giving you the non barium stuff.... gastrograffin ... it's nasty! I'm a Rad tech.... I do these exams... feel free to ask any questions